Shuttle, specialist with small form-factor PCs, is planning to release one with an even smaller footprint, the X27. Shuttle says the new PC will use as little as 23 W in idle mode, and 36 W on load. That's takes it more into the power consumption domain of some business-class laptops. The X27 falls into the 'Nettop' category of low-cost desktop PCs, and uses the Intel Atom low-power processor. It also has a tiny acoustic footprint at a mere 23 decibels, that's -- quieter than a "bedroom at night" (late night), according to decibel noise charts, reports Smart Planet.

The low noise is matched by a suitably small case which measures 10 inches long, 7 inches wide and 2.75 inches tall; about the same size as Asus' Eee Box. Pricing and availability are yet to be disclosed.